Hi Everyone: Yesterday, Tuesday, was our WOW, WOW, WOW day - the reason why we came to New Zealand. We took a ferry from Auckland to an Island called Waikehe, a 35 minute trip and what we saw cannot be described in words or captured in pictures.  This from mom:  If I wasn’t 80 years old I would buy a home here, live here the rest of my life and never leave. I thought Lake Tahoe was beautiful until I saw Waiheke Island. Wherever you look it is splendor, breathtaking. There are miles of beautiful, white beaches and vineyards, the estates, the view from every angle, the blue water AND the day was spectacular. We had the best panini sandwich and NZ beer on the beach and didn’t want to leave. This from Vicki:  The only way I can describe what I saw yesterday is . . . I’m standing on a white beach they call The Strand. It is a mile long with green cliffs surrounding it, I’m trying to figure out a way to take a picture that would even come close to capturing what I’m seeing and tears come to my eyes. Seriously, I was overcome with the absolute, pristine beauty. This is truly what I had pictured New Zealand to be. I told mom that I felt really sad that I might never see this place again. Even as I type this I feel emotional. No place I have ever visited has touched my heart like this place. We saw alpacas and horses grazing on the mountain sides, miles and miles of vineyards, enormous trees and green everywhere, trees and bushes we’ve never seen before. There were gorgeous estates and simple beach houses and a peace fullness that I hadn’t experienced before. It was magical and something that I will carry with me forever. I have now seen and experienced New Zealand at it’s best. We’ll be leaving Auckland tomorrow for Fiji - not sure if they have internet cafes but if so we’ll e-mail again. See everyone soon. Love, Mom and Vicki